Time for a change

I changed things up today.  Welcome to the new-look blog.

This was brought on because I've been in a slump around my running...or lack of running. After 25+ years of relatively injury-free running, I sustained a plantar fasciitis injury to my right foot a little over a year ago in August 2010 that still has not completely gone away.  Like the 'tough guy' I pretend to be, I thought I could 'run through it'.  This was absolutely the wrong answer at last December's Reggae Marathon but I was determined to finish the 1/2 Marathon especially since I ran it with my son Court.  The photo at the finish was worth the pain!

So I decided it was time to change things up on the blog.  Funny how frustration in one area can lead to positive things in another.

Fast forward 12 months from last August:  a change in my running has happened as well. After 3 months off, I eased back into running this spring.  Thanks to a new pair of shoes, the minimalist Puma Faas 500 and barefoot running on the sand at Wasaga Beach I'm back to running regularly.  And pain free, faster and more comfortable as well.

And maybe that's the lesson:  you can't expect things to change if you keep doing the same things over and over.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

The real reason I love running

It's not to loose weight or keep high blood pressure in check although those are the goals that motivated me to start running in the first place.

It's definitely NOT because I look great in tight-fitting spandex...where do those ripples and bulges come from?

And it's definitely not because I am the fastest runner although I keep telling myself that 'I am improving with age'.  But even though I'm not be running any faster, I am running much more comfortably even though the aches and pains take longer to recover from.

It comes down to the simple fact that it is the only time I get any alone time.  For those 30, 40 or 90 minutes I am totally self absorbed with no smart phone, headphones or distractions.  I'm only focused on my breathing and the occasional car that hasn't noticed me running along the side of the road.

I'm scared that it will end one day.  I'm doing my best to keep that day at bay.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Running for Heart in Toronto and Jamaica

I stopped running December 31, 2010 due to the agonizing pain in my right foot.  The pain that I 'toughed out' in last year's Reggae Marathon.  I've only run semi-regularly since early summer but since I changed over to a 'natural-style' running which has included both barefoot running and the Puma Faas 500's I'm thrilled with the results.  I'm running faster, more efficiently and with no pain!  Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks.  Check out the video at the end of this post.

Now on to the good stuff: Fund raising races this fall for the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario.

I've got two planned.  First up is the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon on October 16. I've heard good things about this race and am looking forward to running it.  Andrew and Court, my eldest sons are planning to run as well...that will be really special. And hey, this old dog may teach them a thing or two about running a 1/2 marathon...don't get in my way at the finish line guys!

Then on December 3 it's back to Negril, Jamaica for the Reggae Marathon.  This will be my 3rd time at the Reggae Marathon and I'm running the 10 K so that I can add this medal to my collection of Full Marathon and 1/2 Marathon medals from the past 2 years.  I'm looking forward to the coconut water, bananas and cold Red Stripe beer at the finish before an early morning dip in the Caribbean.

I'm racing in both of these events to raise money for the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario.  I've called this year's effort, 'Run for Heart'.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December.  I've set up a secure, online donation site that accepts Visa and Mastercard to make it super easy to donate.  Just click on this link:  Run for Heart.

I've always run for myself and it's been good.  Now running to raise money for the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario it is really great!

Here's that video...keep your eyes open for the red Pumas flashing by at both races



Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Steamed Fish: a meal fit for a runner!

On Fort Clarence Beach just outside of Kingston, Jamaica a couple of years ago Sally and I enjoyed a fantastic lunch:  Steamed Fish prepared fresh on the beach!  Perfect for a runner!  And yes, Sally enjoyed it as well.




We sat in our wet bathing suits at a picnic table under an Almond Tree and devoured our steamed fish along with escovitch fish, bammie and lobster.  All washed down of course with cold Red Stripe.  Truly a day to remember with a meal fit for a...runner! 

Guess my first meal when I arrive in Negril this December for Reggae Marathon 2011? Mmmmmm.....

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy